Brookwood ninth graders travel to nation's capital

THOMASVILLE -- Students from Brookwood School’s ninth grade class traveled to Washington, D.C., for five days of touring and exploring. 

They began their trip with a fun-filled experience at Audi Field watching a D.C. United soccer game. Students viewed the Roosevelt Monument and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. After attending a church service at the National Cathedral, students watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Several students had the opportunity to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb.

Caroline Stewart ‘25 was one of the students who took part in the ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. “When I was chosen, I knew I had to take responsibility to represent my school well, so this was very important to me. I was a little anxious at first, but when I realized my classmates were probably feeling the same way, I started to relax. I’ll definitely cherish this moment forever!”

On the third day, the class visited George Washington’s Mount Vernon and enjoyed the Smithsonian Museum of American History. They capped their day with a dinner cruise. Miriam Simmons ‘25 shared, “My favorite part was the yacht. I loved hanging out with my friends and singing and dancing.”

The trip’s last stops included a day-trip to Gettysburg, night-viewing of the Washington Monument and the National Mall, and the National Gallery of Art. 

“This trip served a great purpose in showcasing our Nation’s Capital in an authentic and meaningful way. Our students learned first hand about the history, government, and culture of our great nation,” said Headmaster Dr. Randy Watts. “Furthermore, it was a great opportunity for our students to travel together and bond through a common experience.”

When asked why he thinks the trip is important, Luke Thomas ‘25 said, “I think the D.C. trip shows the class how our country was founded and what values it is built on.”